TAMIU Announces Spring 2006
Young Artists Community Program

Enroll your child in Texas A&M International University’s 2006 Spring Young Artists Community Program and give them the opportunity to practice self-discipline and diligence while learning to play an instrument, sing or explore music. Classes are available for beginners and intermediate students ages four to 14.

Dr. Gilberto D. Soto, associate professor and coordinator of the Young Artist Music Community Program said the program offers children remarkable exposure to the world of music.

"We are pleased to continue offering our popular Young Artist Community Program, which has been in existence since fall 2002 and provides fine arts courses in the areas of music discovery, piano, voice and guitar to those children interested in discovering the wonderful world of music. At the same time, the program provides an opportunity for TAMIU music students to become teachers and mentors to these children, as they will become future music educators. We offer these classes because we know how important it is to start music education at an early age," explained Dr. Soto.

Soto’s work with bilingual music education led to his work as co-author on the National Music Education Series Spotlight on Music and author of ¡Fiesta de Canciones!, which is used in classrooms throughout the country.

Beginning and intermediate classes meet once a week for an hour. The session runs Jan. 31 through May 11, 2006.

Parents may register their children at the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA), room 216A, 3 – 5 p.m. The deadline to register is Feb. 3, 2006. There is a registration fee of $20 and tuition costs $45 per month. Space is limited.

For more information, contact Dr. Soto at gsoto@tamiu.edu, call 326.3046 or visit offices in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, room 216A.

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests
and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information
Services at prmis@tamiu.edu